Faculty Perspectives on Factors Impacting Work as Nurse Educators

Sharon Shockness, Walden University

Abstract

Faculty Perspectives on Factors Impacting Work as Nurse Educators

by

Sharon Shockness

MS, Mercy College, 2007

BSN, Mercy College, 2005

AAS, Helene Fuld College of Nursing, 1996

Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Degree of

Doctor of Education

Walden University

June 2015

Job dissatisfaction among nursing faculty could have a significant impact on nursing faculty retention and student enrollment in nursing programs. The purpose of this qualitative instrumental case study was to gain insight into the perspectives of faculty members who teach nursing education in a university program. This study used Herzberg, Mausner, and Snyderman's motivation-hygiene theory to explore employee satisfaction and dissatisfaction in the workplace. The research question focused on the perspectives of nursing educators and challenges they face. Data were collected through individualized interviews with 15 nurse educators, using open-ended questions and reviewing relevant documents. The data were analyzed by sorting and highlighting the participants' responses and using codes to categorize and develop themes. Six overarching themes (expectations, motivations, benefits, job fulfillment, challenges, and job dissatisfaction) and 3 subthemes (remuneration, excessive workload, and funding for advancing education, recruitment, and mentoring) emerged. These themes and subthemes identified critical aspects of job satisfaction that may help nursing faculty and nursing administrators strengthen the positive and diminish the negative aspects of the job for greater faculty satisfaction. Nursing leaders and health care administrators can use these findings to bring awareness to the nursing education community by creating realistic goals that address job satisfaction, retention, and recruitment of nursing faculty. These changes will improve student enrollment and increase the number of nurses available to provide quality care throughout the nurses' respective communities.